At the SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION, we’re committed to using the power of rugby to create positive change. Over the past two years alone, we’ve impacted the lives of over 30,000 people through our programs focusing on education, inclusivity, employability, mental health and grassroots Rugby development. From supporting young people to achieve their potential to promoting healthy lifestyles, our work has touched communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.
This year marks a significant milestone for Sale Sharks Foundation as we launched mass participation events for the first time. Prior to this, we never had any runners actively fundraising for the foundation. Earlier this year, four dedicated individuals ran the Manchester Marathon, and now, for the Great Manchester Run, we have an astounding 22 people signed up!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Dave and Chris will be running the Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 18th, representing the Sale Sharks Foundation. This is just one of the many tremendous stories that inspire people to put on their trainers and just go out and become active.

Dave and Chris are a true inspiration! Dave has faced immense challenges, including dealing with children with autism and battling depression. His friend and neighbour, Chris, introduced him to running and the Sale Sharks, which significantly improved his wellbeing. Dave started with small runs, gradually progressing to park runs, and eventually reaching 10k. He even participated in a marathon relay team and recently completed his 100th Park Run! Dave has been a tremendous asset to the Foundation helping out any way possible, and in his own words, “the Sale Sharks and the Foundation have given him a purpose to life again.”
Chris has been a pillar of support for Dave, embodying the power of family, love, and giving back. Passionate about rugby and sharing that love with his kids, Chris is committed to helping others. This alone is so inspiring because when someone was down, he did the absolutely best thing and that was to be there for David.

Chris and David will also be running alongside friends Kim Ramsbottom and Daniel Ogier.

Last September, David and Chris were also part of our inaugural Rugby Club Run, where we set out and ran across 8 rugby clubs we work with and did a relay style race – day by day – visiting one club at a time. The total miles covered for this event was just under 100 miles and they completed it in 1 week. David and Chris spearheaded this event and ran along with a few other friends and some staff of the Sale Sharks Foundation and on the last day of the run, the ball the team were carrying came into the Salford Community Stadium ahead of the opening match against Harlequins. This charity run helped raise over £3,000 for the Sale Sharks Foundation and we are very proud that we had people like this dynamic duo, running for us.

Please join us in supporting Dave and Chris as they aim to reach their fundraising target. Any contribution would go a long way in supporting the Sale Sharks Foundation to allow us to continue our amazing community programs.